How do I download Android Auto to my head unit?
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google to allow drivers to access apps and services from an Android phone on the vehicle’s display (https://www.android.com/auto/). It enables the vehicle’s infotainment system to mirror select content from a connected Android smartphone, providing an optimized interface designed specifically for safer driving.
Android Auto allows drivers to access key smartphone functions such as navigation, calls, messages, media playback and select third party apps optimized for driving through the vehicle’s touchscreen, knobs, steering wheel controls or with voice commands. This allows drivers to focus on the road while still utilizing helpful phone features.
In order to use Android Auto, you need a compatible Android phone running Android 6.0 or higher and a vehicle with an Android Auto compatible head unit. The Android Auto app connects your phone to the vehicle’s infotainment system either wirelessly through WiFi or via USB cable.
Benefits of Android Auto
Android Auto allows you to access key apps and services from your Android phone on your car’s head unit display. This provides a safer and more convenient driving experience compared to looking at your phone while behind the wheel. Some of the main benefits of Android Auto include:
– Access to maps, navigation, and traffic information through Google Maps. Android Auto displays turn-by-turn directions, current location, and real-time traffic conditions on your head unit screen.
– Play music, podcasts, audiobooks and more from apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Google Play Music through your car speakers while keeping your eyes on the road. You can use voice commands to select songs and control playback.
– Voice control functionality allows you to make calls, send messages, ask for directions, and manage music playback using your voice. This allows for hands-free use while driving.
– Safer driving experience compared to looking down at your phone for maps, music controls, calls and messages. Eyes stay on the road with Android Auto’s larger display and voice commands.
Overall, Android Auto brings key smartphone functionality to your head unit in an optimized way for safe driving. The voice controls, larger display, and simplified interface help minimize distractions.
Head Unit Compatibility
There are two main ways to get Android Auto compatibility in your vehicle – use your car’s built-in infotainment system if it supports Android Auto, or install an aftermarket stereo receiver that supports Android Auto.
Many major auto manufacturers now offer Android Auto integration in their infotainment systems, including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, PSA, Suzuki, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo. You’ll need to verify with your vehicle’s manufacturer if your specific model year supports Android Auto.
For older vehicles or ones without built-in Android Auto, you can upgrade to an aftermarket head unit or stereo receiver that has Android Auto integration. Major brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Sony, Alpine, and Boss offer stereo receivers with Android Auto support.
Phone Compatibility
To use Android Auto, your Android phone needs to be running Android 6.0 or higher. Here are some of the most popular Android phones that are compatible with Android Auto:
Google Pixel (all models)
Samsung Galaxy S series (S8 and newer)
Samsung Galaxy Note series (Note 8 and newer)
OnePlus (OnePlus 3 and newer)
LG G series (G5 and newer)
Motorola (Moto Z and newer models)
Huawei Mate series
Nexus 6P and newer
In general, most phones released in the past 2-3 years by major manufacturers will work with Android Auto as long as they are running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher. You can check if your Android phone is compatible by looking at the specifications or contacting your manufacturer.
Installing Android Auto App
The first step to using Android Auto is installing the Android Auto app on your Android smartphone. You can download the free Android Auto app from the Google Play Store at:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en_US&gl=US
The Android Auto app allows your Android smartphone to connect to your vehicle’s compatible head unit and display a simplified interface optimized for driving. Once installed on your phone, the Android Auto app can link your phone to the head unit and project the Android Auto interface onto your car’s display. This allows you to access maps, media, messages and more through your car’s infotainment system.
Connecting Phone to Head Unit
You can connect your Android phone to your car’s head unit either via a USB cable or wirelessly if both devices support Android Auto wireless connectivity. Here are the steps to connect using both methods:
To connect via USB cable:
- Plug one end of a USB cable into your phone and the other end into the USB port in your car’s head unit.
- On your phone, you may get a prompt to “Start Android Auto”. Tap this to launch Android Auto on your car’s display.
- If you don’t get this prompt, you may need to enable USB debugging in your phone’s Developer options. Refer to your phone’s user guide for instructions.
To connect wirelessly:
- First, ensure both your phone and car head unit support Android Auto wireless connectivity. Refer to the official Android Auto site for compatibility information.
- Pair your phone to your car’s Bluetooth. Refer to your car’s user manual for Bluetooth pairing instructions.
- Once paired, Android Auto should automatically launch on your car’s display. If not, open the Android Auto app on your phone to connect.
Once connected via either method, you’ll be able to access Android Auto’s features on your car’s display. The connection will be active each time you get into your vehicle.
Using Android Auto
Once Android Auto has been set up and connected, the interface will appear on your car’s display screen. The Android Auto interface is designed to minimize distractions and make accessing key functions quick and easy while driving.
You can control Android Auto through voice commands, your car’s steering wheel controls, or the touchscreen if available. Common voice commands include asking for directions in Google Maps, playing music on Spotify, making phone calls, and responding to messages.
The main screen of Android Auto shows shortcuts to your favorite apps like Google Maps, media apps, messaging, and phone calls. Tapping on one of these icons will open the app. You can ask Google Assistant to navigate somewhere in Maps, play a specific song or playlist in your preferred music app, make calls, and send text messages.
Android Auto links into your smartphone’s GPS and mapping software to provide turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps. It can also access your entire music library and popular streaming apps. Incoming calls and messages can be handled hands-free as well.
Overall the streamlined interface is designed for quick, at-a-glance use while driving. Everything important is accessible with just one tap or voice command (Set up Android Auto).
Customizing Settings
Android Auto allows you to customize various settings to personalize your experience. Here are some of the key settings you can adjust:
Notifications – Control which app notifications come through while connected to Android Auto. You can enable or disable notifications for each individual app in the Android Auto app settings. This prevents you from being disturbed by non-essential notifications while driving [1].
Sound – Adjust the media volume, navigation volume, and voice command volume independently in Android Auto. This allows you to optimize the sound mix for your preferences [2].
Voice controls – Customize the “Ok Google” sensitivity to control how easily Google Assistant is activated. You can also select an alternate voice command phrase instead of “Ok Google” if preferred.
Default apps – Choose which apps surface for key functions like navigation, messaging, and music playback. Set your preferred apps to open automatically in Android Auto.
Home screen – Customize which app shortcuts appear on the Android Auto home screen. Add, remove, or rearrange shortcuts for quick access to your most-used apps.
With these customizations, you can adapt Android Auto to best suit your needs and preferences while driving.
Troubleshooting Issues
Android Auto can sometimes run into problems either connecting to your head unit or functioning properly once connected. Here are some troubleshooting tips for the most common issues:
If Android Auto won’t connect at all, first check that your head unit and phone are compatible models according to Google’s latest compatibility lists (https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6348190?hl=en). Also check that you have the latest Android Auto app version installed, and that all cables and wireless adapters are properly connected.
Try restarting both your phone and head unit, as this can clear out bugs that cause connectivity problems. Make sure Bluetooth, location services, and WiFi are enabled on your phone, as Android Auto requires these. Check that developer options on your phone haven’t disabled Android Auto.
For glitchy or laggy performance in the Android Auto interface, try restarting your phone which will clear any memory issues. Check that you don’t have battery saver mode enabled on your phone, as this can impact Android Auto performance. Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices from your car, as too many can slow things down.
As a last resort, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Android Auto app, or performing a factory reset on your head unit. Check forums online to see if others have reported issues with your specific head unit model. Overall, restarting your devices is the first troubleshooting step for most Android Auto issues.
Tips for Using Android Auto
To get the most out of Android Auto, keep these tips in mind:
Position your phone where it can best receive a GPS signal, like on your dash or windshield mount. Avoid putting your phone in enclosed areas like the glovebox, as this can interfere with the signal (source).
Clean out the USB port in your car regularly with compressed air. Dust buildup can affect connectivity between your phone and head unit. A clean port means better charging and more reliable Android Auto performance (source).
Get to know alternative voice commands. Instead of saying “Okay Google”, you can say “Hey Google” or “Hi Google.” Play around with different phrasing too – you can say “navigate to [location]” instead of “directions to [location].” Knowing multiple ways to trigger commands gives you more flexibility.